Chamber awards Rumbough with 'Pride of Palm Beach'

It was love at first sight for Stanley M. Rumbough Jr., when he paid his first visit to Palm Beach during an Easter vacation in 1940.

“It’s just a wonderful place,” said Rumbough, who just celebrated his 90th birthday and continues to work as a private investor out of his office in the Palm Beach Towers. “As far as I’m concerned, we live in a place that has everything — culture, beauty and great people.”

He made the island his home base 38 years ago and has been a force in local community and charitable causes ever since.

Rumbough’s commitment to the town has earned him the “Pride of Palm Beach” award from the Palm Beach Chamber of Commerce, which he will receive Thursday at The Breakers during the organization’s annual awards breakfast.

“This is an unexpected honor,” said Rumbough, who prefers to remain out of the spotlight. “I’m very flattered by such recognition.”

When he moved to the island from New York, Rumbough believed it “appropriate” to get involved in the local community. “I initially worked with charities, primarily Planned Parenthood, and cultural organizations such as the Kravis Center,” he said.

Rumbough also played a key role in the establishment of the Palm Beach Civic Association, the organization whose mission is to protect and enhance the quality of life on the island.

He has been on the association’s board for years, served as its co-chairman for seven years and was its chief executive officer from 2005 to 2009. Rumbough is currently the association’s chairman emeritus.

“In my mind, he is so deserving of this award,” said Ned Barnes, Civic Association president, who has been Rumbough’s friend for almost 20 years. “No one loves Palm Beach more than Stan does.”

He’s an exceptional, extraordinary guy — one of the most remarkable people I’ve ever had the privilege of knowing.”

“He has worked to make Palm Beach the exceptional place it is and will continue to be,” Barnes said.

“Stan Rumbough epitomizes what Palm Beach and what the Pride of Palm Beach award is all about,” said Laurel Baker, executive director of the Chamber of Commerce.

“The Pride of Palm Beach is presented to an individual who personifies the spirit and integrity of the town and demonstrates his or her strength of character in the building of community,” Baker said.

Past winners include the late preservationist Polly Earl, the late philanthopist Nettie Finkel, community leaders Lesly Smith and William Guttman, and Club Colette owner Daniel Ponton.